Rspca Backs Farmers

[SkySoaringMagpie]

http://www.news.com.au/national-news/nsw-act/rspca-insists-dog-muzzles-are-cruel/story-fndo4bst-1226612819716

THE RSPCA has supported NSW farmers' concerns over plans to muzzle problem cattle dogs.

Farmers and dog breeders have vented their anger at draft options tabled by Animal Health Australia and fear working canines are being forced from the land.

While the RSPCA said its policy on dog management accepted, but did not support, the use of muzzling of dogs it warned improper use could: "Prevent the dog from being able to properly swallow, pant and take water."

Dogs could wear a "properly fitting muzzle that allows it to easily pant and drink" for the duration of work, it said, but said muzzling dogs should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

"Pressure from the harness may also cause discomfort to the animal," Chief Inspector David O'Shannessy said.

"A loose fitting harness may cause rubbing and skin irritation, again causing pain and discomfort."

Farmers said there were already enough risks to working dogs on farms without muzzles adding to them.

"For most farmers their dog is their best mate. You don't want to do anything that puts them at risk or could get them hurt," sheep farmer Ted Fenech said.

"If your dog is hurting the stock you run the risk of your dogs getting hurt too."

Cattle dog breeder Narelle Hammond-Robertson said she thought the measure - part of a set of draft recommendations revealed by The Daily Telegraph - was an attempt to take dogs off the land.

"You cannot have a dog muzzled. They can't breathe properly, they overheat. They can't pant, and can't drink properly through a muzzle," she said. "The dog would only be able to work for very short periods of time."

Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, said: "I fully recognise the importance of working dogs on rural properties. A good dog is worth three people."

[mixeduppup]

Common sense prevails!

[Maddy]

While I can't see the sense in muzzling properly trained working dogs, some of the comments made by farmers do show a lack of knowledge when it comes to muzzles.

The sort of muzzle that can be bought in a pet shop- the nylon type that encases the dog's muzzle tightly) is obviously dangerous (for all dogs) because it prohibits them from opening their mouth properly which could lead to overheating through inability to pant or drink. But.. a decent basket muzzle is not the same thing. Greyhounds race in a basket muzzle and not only are they a breed prone to overheating, but they're engaging in a sport that requires them to be able to breathe freely. A basket muzzle does not inhibit breathing, panting or drinking.

Fitting a muzzle correctly is no more difficult than fitting a collar and it shouldn't be on the dog for long enough periods of time to cause any issues anyway.

I think farmers would do better to provide sensible reasons, rather than making statements that aren't accurate.

[Are You Serious Jo]

If you've got a dog that does bite stock a basket muzzle won't stop that, they'd get it off I think. Cattle dogs need to be able to give the cows a small nip too or some won't move or respect the dog. Sheep shouldn't be touched hard though so selection should be for dogs that don't bite.

[persephone]

"You cannot have a dog muzzled. They can't breathe properly, they overheat. They can't pant, and can't drink properly through a muzzle," she said. "The dog would only be able to work for very short periods of time."

This lady needs to do her research, methinks....

A couple of my Bros' yard dogs are muzzled when they work on other peoples' property .... and they wear the muzzles pretty much all day with no problems .Basket muzzle and greyhound muzzle ....

[Are You Serious Jo]

So they use a greyhound muzzle? Are these really hard dogs or just a bit nippy?

[mixeduppup]

I muzzle my black girl if she hasn't worked ina while as she can be too hard on the sheep (just a basket muzzle) but after an hour or so she gets back into the rhythm and I can take it off. I have known people though that own abattoir dogs and they have to be muzzled most of the day as they are super hard.

Edited April 6, 2013 by mixeduppup

[Are You Serious Jo]

I've seen some yard dogs that had to have tight muzzles on, they would have gotten any others off.

[persephone]

S

o they use a greyhound muzzle? Are these really hard dogs or just a bit nippy?

Just a bit nippy .... sometimes too , a large mob belonging to neighbours is great for teh more inexperienced dogs ...except sometimes they get a bit frustrated /tired , then tend to take shortcuts, grabbing long wool is one such ...

with our sheep we can wear the occasional grab , as it's never anything serious ... but when working someone elses's stock it is preferable to allow NO chance of it happening ...

we have greyhound muzzles, one of those square 'working dog'muzzles , and various sized basket muzzles . :) The older dogs know when P says "come & put your helmet on " ..and they resign themselves , & poke their heads in ....

[persephone]

I have known people though that own abattoir dogs and they have to be muzzled most of the day as they are super hard.

I think it's law that dogs working in those situations are muzzled .. to decrease bruising/punctures in the meat ....

[mixeduppup]

I have known people though that own abattoir dogs and they have to be muzzled most of the day as they are super hard.

I think it's law that dogs working in those situations are muzzled .. to decrease bruising/punctures in the meat ....

Yeah I'd say so. Never really looked into it. I just know everyone who owns abattoir dogs have muzzled them.

[persephone]

Makes sense ..until you come across that canny dog who finds that a hard poke with a wire muzzle will work like a nip ;)

[mixeduppup]

Makes sense ..until you come across that canny dog who finds that a hard poke with a wire muzzle will work like a nip ;)

Hahaha. They're so smart

[persephone]

Makes sense ..until you come across that canny dog who finds that a hard poke with a wire muzzle will work like a nip ;)

Hahaha. They're so smart

yep.